Booster Seats and a DeLand Accident Attorney

The Florida Legislature failed again in 2011 to enact a child booster seat law, leaving older children at greater risk to injury, something that a DeLand accident attorneyfinds unacceptable.

Current Florida law requires children less than 3 years of age to be secured in a separate carrier while riding in a motor vehicle. Children 4 to 5 years old may ride in a separate carrier or in a child safety seat that comes with the vehicle or is custom-installed. While these requirements may adequately protect younger passengers, children older than 5 only have to be restrained by a seat belt just like adults.

There’s a big problem with seat belts and children less than 5 feet tall. Often the seat belt will not fit properly, exposing a child to serious injury in the event of an accident. That’s why children less than 5 feet tall need a booster seat, according to medical experts.

Florida is one of only three states that does not have a child booster seat law and the DeLand accident attorneyhopes the issue will be finally addressed in 2012. Hopefully a few parents unaware of the danger of not having a child booster seat will see this post and purchase one. They generally cost as little as $15. What a wise investment!

Although the cost has been one of the arguments against the booster seat law, especially for economically disadvantaged parents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a grant program available to states that can pay for free booster seats. The legislation and grant program should go hand-in-hand to help alleviate this danger to children.

While Florida may not have a booster seat law, some law enforcement agencies still urge the use of them. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office website states that if a seat belt doesn’t fit a child, a booster seat “should” be used.

A DeLand accident attorneyknows all too well that auto accidents are the leading cause of injury and death for children in this country. Becoming aware of steps you can take to reduce this problem is crucial.

For any safety issues and your rights in an accident, you can consult with a DeLand accident attorney at the Seitz & Tresher law firm.